Novi, August 25, 2025
News Summary
A woman in Novi has reported spotting a cougar at the intersection of West Road and West Park Drive. Jennifer Hoover described the 40-pound animal with a long tail and a black tip, leading to speculation about its age. Despite her attempts to capture a photograph, she found only deer later. The Michigan DNR remains skeptical about cougars in the Lower Peninsula, urging residents to report unusual wildlife sightings. The last confirmed sighting occurred in recent months, highlighting ongoing interest in cougar populations in the state.
Novi – A woman from Novi has sparked concerns and curiosity after claiming she spotted a cougar in her neighborhood. Jennifer Hoover reported the sighting on the City of Novi Community Forum on Facebook, indicating that she saw the animal around 2 p.m. at the intersection of West Road and West Park Drive.
According to Hoover, the cougar walked in front of her on the opposite side of the street. She described the creature as smaller in size, approximately 40 pounds, and noted its distinguishing features, which included a long tail with a black tip. Hoover speculated that the animal might be a juvenile. Although she attempted to take a photograph of the animal, she was unsuccessful, and upon revisiting the area later, all she found were two deer.
The sighting occurred in an area that contains a large wetland, which could potentially serve as a suitable habitat for cougars. However, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has stated that there is minimal evidence of cougars existing in the Lower Peninsula. The DNR advises people to report any animal sightings through their “Eyes in the Field” program for further investigation.
Brian Roell, a large carnivore specialist at the DNR, acknowledged the value of eyewitness accounts but indicated that the lack of physical evidence makes it difficult to verify claims of cougar sightings effectively. The state confirmed its first cougar sighting in the Lower Peninsula in 2017 but remains cautious due to the prevalence of hoaxes in the past, including altered photos.
Most confirmed cougar sightings have taken place in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Here, young male cougars tend to disperse from existing populations located in regions like Nebraska and the Dakotas. Recent developments, including the discovery of cougar cubs in Ontonagon County, have raised interest in the possibility of breeding populations in the Upper Peninsula.
Challenges exist for cougars attempting to reach the Lower Peninsula, primarily the need to navigate urban areas, highways, or swim across the Straits of Mackinac. However, advancements in technology, such as the increasing use of trail cameras, may enhance the chances of documenting future cougar sightings.
As of now, the Novi police department has no confirmed reports of the sighting. Residents are encouraged to report any unusual animal encounters to local authorities. The last verified cougar sighting in Michigan occurred in January, and the DNR continues to monitor additional reports as they arise.
Key Features of the Sightings
- Location: West Road and West Park Drive, Novi
- Time of Sighting: 2 p.m.
- Described Size: Approximately 40 pounds
- Key Features: Long tail with a black tip
- Last Confirmed Sighting: January
Potential Habitat
The sighting took place near a large wetland area that could provide sufficient habitat for cougars, although the DNR remains skeptical about their presence in the Lower Peninsula.
Reporting Procedures
Observations of unusual wildlife such as cougars can be reported to the DNR through their “Eyes in the Field” program for further analysis and documentation.
FAQ
What did Jennifer Hoover report?
Jennifer Hoover claimed to have seen a cougar at West Road and West Park Drive in Novi. She described it as about 40 pounds with a long tail and a black tip.
What is the Michigan DNR’s position on cougar sightings?
The DNR states there is little evidence of cougars in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and encourages reporting of sightings through their “Eyes in the Field” program.
Where are most confirmed cougar sightings in Michigan?
Most confirmed cougar sightings occur in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where young males disperse from populations in the Nebraska and Dakotas regions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cougar Sighting in Novi Sparks Community Interest
Cougar Sighting Sparks Debate in Novi, Michigan
Cougar Cubs Spotted in Ontonagon County
Additional Resources
- Click on Detroit: Viral Facebook Post Claims Cougar Sighting in Novi
- Detroit Free Press: Cougar Sightings in Novi
- WHMI: Does Novi Have a Cougar?
- Google Search: cougar sightings Michigan
- Patch: Confirmed Endangered Cougar Sighting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cougar
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
